Log Home Secrets of Success: An Insider's Guide to Making Your Dream Home a Reality

A savvy guide that takes you from dreaming of a log home to actually building and living comfortably in one. Industry insider Roland Sweet reveals tips and insights about the various facets of designing a log home, selecting a log-home producer, and evaluating log packages. Plus you'll get real-world advice on calculating costs, what to look for when buying land, making energy-wise decisions, the importance of assembling a team that shares your vision, working with a builder, and much more. An invaluable resource, complete with photos, advice from log-home owners and an extensive and useful appendix.

Table of Contents
1 - Keep Your Eye on the Prize
2 - Learn the Common Log Home Myths and Why They Are Myths
3 - Understand Wood
4 - Think Green
5 - Do Your Homework
6 - Gather Ideas
7 - Decide on the Look
8 - Calculate How Much House You Can Afford
9 - Know When and How to Compromise
10 - Anticipate the Unexpected
11 - Buy Your Land Before You Buy Your House
12 - Make Sure You Can Build on Your Land
13 - Assemble Your Dream Team Early
14 - Design for Yourself and Your Lifestyle
15 - Design for Protection
16 - Design for the Future
17 - Think Inside the Box
18 - Choose a Company that Offers the Look You Love
19 - Understand How Your Log Producer Provides for Log Settling
20 - Know What's in Your Package and What Isn't
21 - Understand What a Log Home Costs
22 - Get to Know Your Dealer
23 - Visit Several Actual Log Homes by Your Producer and Builder
24 - Hire the Best Builder, Not the Cheapest
25 - Determine Your Level of Involvement
26 - Expect Delays
27 - Don't Forget Furniture
28 - Landscape for Beauty and Wildlife
29 - Have Realistic Expectations
30 - Move In and Move On
Appendix
- Preserve Your Home's Good Looks
- Warranties: Buyer Be Wary
- How Your Log Home Happens
- Cost-Estimating Checklist